The Best Dog Breeds for Apartment Living

Apartment living is a convenient way to save money, live close to activities you enjoy, and avoid the long-term commitment of home ownership. However, if you intend to own a dog while you live in an apartment, there are several things you need to consider. If you have a small apartment you'll need a dog whose size and temperament work in that space. Your neighbors probably won't appreciate a lot of noise, so the dog needs to be relatively quiet (not a "yapper"). There are a number of dog breeds that are well-suited for an apartment lifestyle.

  1. Pug

    • Pug dogs are compact and adaptable, making them perfect for apartment life. Pugs are usually friendly, so no worries about them getting along with neighbors; they are also very intelligent, finding ways to amuse themselves and avoid boredom. Pugs require little exercise, so lack of square footage or access to a backyard won't be a problem.

    Bichon Frise

    • The fuzzy Bichon Frise looks like a little poodle. This breed is small enough to be satisfied with apartment-sized living quarters as long as it gets walked regularly. The Bichon Frise is a friendly and affectionate breed that will get along well with neighbors and roommates.

    Dachshund

    • The Dachshund, or "weenie dog," is another small breed of dog perfectly suited to apartment living. Requiring little space and exercise, this friendly dog makes a great companion.

    Lhasa Apso

    • This breed of dog is small and friendly, but has lots of hair. A Lhasa Apso requires regular grooming and daily walks. These dogs are perfect for apartments because they spend most of their time napping and enjoy being inside where it's warm and comfortable.

    Chihuahua

    • Chihuahuas are tiny dogs, usually weighing in at about 5 lbs. Since they are so little, even the smallest of apartments will provide plenty of room for them to get their daily exercise. Chiuahuas are quiet dogs, making them a good neighbors in an apartment setting.